If you’ve ever strolled through a Dubai café or dessert spot, chances are you’ve seen a glistening tray of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa, a heavenly fusion of crispy shredded pastry (kataifi) and silky chocolate cream filling.
This modern twist on the classic Middle Eastern Kunafa is pure indulgence, crunchy on the outside, gooey and chocolaty inside, and finished with a luscious drizzle of sugar syrup or melted chocolate. It’s an irresistible dessert that combines Arabian elegance with global flavors, making it a true Dubai favorite.
Perfect for Ramadan, Eid, or any special celebration, this dessert will impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients Breakdown of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
The key to perfect Dubai chocolate kunafa lies in balancing textures: crisp pastry, creamy filling, and rich syrup.
- The kataifi (kunafa dough) forms the crunchy golden shell.
- Butter or ghee ensures that crisp, buttery texture.
- The filling—made with milk, cream, cocoa, and chocolate—brings in that deep chocolate flavor.
- A touch of sugar syrup or melted Nutella on top gives it that glossy, indulgent finish.
It’s a combination of sweet, creamy, and crisp in every bite, a dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
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Equipment Needed for Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
You don’t need fancy bakery equipment, just a few essentials:
- Non-stick baking dish or round cake pan
- Medium saucepan (for the chocolate filling)
- Whisk and mixing bowls
- Spatula or pastry brush
- Oven or stovetop pan (for baking/toasting kunafa)
- Knife for cutting the kunafa after baking
Preparation of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
Before you begin, thaw your kataifi pastry if it’s frozen. Separate the strands gently with your fingers. Melt the butter and toss it evenly through the pastry so every strand is coated; this ensures even browning.
Prepare your chocolate cream filling ahead of time by combining milk, sugar, cocoa powder, and chocolate in a pan until thick and creamy. Allow it to cool slightly before layering between the kunafa dough.
Cooking Time Table of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
| Step | Time | Details |
| Preparing Chocolate Filling | 10–12 mins | Heat milk, cocoa, sugar, and chocolate until thick |
| Assembling Kunafa Layers | 10 mins | Layer buttered kataifi, filling, and top layer |
| Baking | 25–30 mins | Until golden and crisp |
| Cooling & Syrup Drizzle | 5 mins | Let rest, drizzle syrup or melted chocolate |
| Total Time | ~50 mins | Dessert ready to serve warm |
🕒 Yields 6–8 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
Prepare Chocolate Filling:
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups milk, 2 tbsp cocoa powder, ¼ cup sugar, and 100g dark chocolate. Cook on medium heat while stirring until the mixture thickens. Set aside to cool.
Prepare Kunafa Dough:
Shred the kataifi dough into small pieces using your hands. Pour in ½ cup melted butter and mix until every strand is coated.
Assemble the Layers:
In a greased baking pan, press down half the kunafa dough to form the base. Spread the chocolate cream evenly over it, then cover with the remaining dough.
Bake:
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden brown, at 180°C (350°F) in a preheated oven.
Drizzle and Serve:
While still warm, drizzle sugar syrup or melted Nutella over the top. Garnish with chopped pistachios or chocolate shavings.
Serve Warm:
Cut into slices and serve immediately for that signature crispy-outside, gooey-inside experience!
Serving Suggestions of Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
Serve Dubai Chocolate Kunafa:
- Warm with a drizzle of melted chocolate or Nutella
- With a scoop of vanilla or pistachio ice cream for contrast
- Garnished with crushed pistachios, almonds, or edible gold leaf for a luxurious Dubai-style touch
Comparison Table – Classic vs. Dubai Chocolate Kunafa
| Feature | Classic Kunafa | Chocolate Kunafa (Dubai Style) |
| Filling | Cream or cheese | Chocolate custard or Nutella |
| Flavor | Mildly sweet, creamy | Rich, decadent, chocolaty |
| Texture | Crisp outside, creamy inside | Crisp, gooey, smooth |
| Syrup | Traditional sugar syrup | Chocolate syrup / Nutella drizzle |
| Popularity | Middle East | Dubai & Modern Cafés |
Dubai’s version brings Western dessert flair to an age-old Arabic tradition.
Tips & Variations
Cheesecake Twist: Add a layer of cream cheese or mascarpone under the chocolate layer.
Nutella Filling: Replace chocolate custard with Nutella and cream for a quick version.
No-Oven Option: Toast the kunafa dough on a stovetop until golden, then assemble and warm briefly.
Flavor Boost: Add cardamom or rose essence for a Middle Eastern aroma.
Make Ahead: Prepare chocolate filling and syrup a day before and assemble fresh before serving.
Ingredient Table for Chocolate Kunafa
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose / Tip |
| Kataifi (Kunafa Dough) | 250g | Base for crispy layers |
| Butter (Melted) | ½ cup | Ensures golden, crisp texture |
| Milk | 2 cups | For chocolate custard filling |
| Cocoa Powder | 2 tbsp | Deep chocolate flavor |
| Dark Chocolate | 100g | Richness and smoothness |
| Sugar | ¼ cup | Sweetens filling |
| Cornflour | 1 tbsp | Thickens custard |
| Sugar Syrup / Nutella | ¼ cup | Topping glaze |
| Pistachios | 2 tbsp (optional) | Garnish |
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Sugar | 22 g |
| Calcium | 90 mg |
Closing / Call-to-Action
Craving a Dubai-style dessert that blends tradition with indulgence? Try this Chocolate Kunafa recipe; it’s perfect for festive tables, dinner parties, or those “I need something special” dessert moments.
✨ Make it once, and you’ll fall in love with the crisp layers, gooey chocolate, and that irresistible kunafa aroma!
FAQ’s
Q1: What is the difference between Kunafa and Baklava?
Kunafa uses shredded pastry (kataifi) and is often filled with cream or cheese, while Baklava uses phyllo sheets and nuts.
Q2: Can I make Chocolate Kunafa without an oven?
Yes! Toast the buttered kunafa in a non-stick pan on low heat until golden, then layer with chocolate filling and warm it covered.
Q3: Can I use ready-made syrup?
Absolutely, rose-flavored or plain sugar syrup works well. Even chocolate syrup adds a modern twist.
Q4: How long does Kunafa stay fresh?
Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving for best crispness.
Q5: Is it the same as Nutella Kunafa?
They’re similar! Nutella Kunafa is just a quicker, chocolate-heavy version of this recipe.
Conclusion
The Dubai Chocolate Kunafa is a dessert that defines luxury and comfort in one bite, rich, crispy, and irresistibly creamy. It’s a perfect representation of Dubai’s culinary culture, where tradition meets innovation.
